Manic Monday: avoid A&E, try Man MOT

A new report shows that hospital Accident and Emergency departments deal with twice the average number of patients during Monday morning peak time. The new report also shows that over half of A&E patients are men. The MHF is encouraging men to try its Man MOT service instead.

According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre’s (HSCIC) report on ‘Accident and Emergency Attendances in England (Experimental Statistics)’ for 2011-12, the highest numbers of attendances at English A&E departments are recorded for Monday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. During these times about 4,000 patients are taken in per hour, compared to the typical hourly average of 2,000.

HSCIC chief executive Tim Straughan said: ‘The fact that A&E services in England on average see twice the average number of new cases coming through the door collectively on a typical Monday morning indicates just how much society relies on these front line services.’

MHF site editor Jim Pollard said: 'We know many visits to A&E are unnecessary. Men should call NHS Direct or, rather than turn up with the crowd on Monday morning, simply log on to Man MOT on Sunday or Monday night and talk to a GP online. If you are not sure how to interpret your symptoms or have general questions about your health, just ask. Easier than visiting the hospital and you won't waste anyone's time - not yours, not the overworked A&E team.'

As in 2010-11, males are marginally the main users of A&E departments. Considering that 38.8% of all recorded patients could be discharged with no follow-up required, it can be assumed that many people seek help for minor ailments at the hospitals, rather than consulting their GP or pharmacist, or using the services provided by NHS Direct and walk-in-centres.

The MHF's online Man MOT service will be available from the 4th of February 2013.

The next Man MOT surgeries are:

Wednesday 10th April 12-2pm and
Monday 15th April 7-10pm.

When to use A&E

Visit A&E only if you are in severe pain, have broken a bone, are bleeding heavily, or show signs of a heart attack, it is perfectly reasonable and crucial to go to an A&E department. However, symptoms of a cold or flu, an upset stomach or the feeling of general sickness can be treated much better by your GP. He can also give you advice on sexually transmitted diseases and refer you to a specialist.